Write A letter to your favorite Disney Character!

Did you know that your kids can send their favorite Disney character a letter, and they will send an autographed 8x10 photo back?! Here's the address!!

Name of Character
Walt Disneyworld Communications
P.O. box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

Disneyland will send you an autographed postcard when you write a letter to the following address:

 

Walt Disney Company
Attn: Fan Mail Department

Character name
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521

The picture will arrive with 4-6 weeks.

Tips:

The letter can be about anything you want. The child can tell their favorite character how much they love them.

You can write repeated letters to each address.

Writing letter is a great skill to teach your children. By writing their favorite characters, you are teaching them how to write a letter and how the postal service works.

Cult Black Box Subscription Review!!

     So this thing came in today. What a surprise that it came in a Black Box. These products are promoted as Animal Friendly Made in California.  In came four different nail polishes, one is a base coat.  Two are lacquers and one is a graffiti nail art effect which you would put on top of the beige to make that graffiti effect. 

 I was a bit disappointed. I tried it since other subscription review places seemed to like it and the first box was half off (regular 24.99)  I thought it would have more than just nail polishes, thought there would be nail styling tools also.  You can try a box for yourself to see if you get the same one. I have seen others with different items in them. Check them out here Balckbox.

Tips for diabetics on Halloween

Tips from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation:

• A little candy on Halloween is OK. Have the child or yourself     pick out a few pieces and eat them at supervised times. Keep an inventory, and be the keeper of the candy stash.
• Trade candy for cash.
• Refocus the celebration. Host a Halloween party and focus on fun, not food.
• Try alternative treats at home, such as popcorn, sugar-free candy, low-carb candy or something you've made yourself (that way you know what's in it). Offer things like glow-in-the-dark insects and theme stickers for trick-or-treaters.
• Count carbs with your child, and apply the appropriate insulin-to-carb ratio, which can also be a good learning experience.

BirchBox came in the Mail!!

     This cute little box came in the mail the other day.  I have heard a lot about this subscription box and was excited to check it out!

     Inside was a little merchandise description card. The card also tells you how much the item is worth in full size form. 

      Some of the items were inside this cute little orange box.  Guessing its so the items didn't float around during transit. 

So here are my items.

 A Ruffian Brand nail polish, not really a great color

but hey my daughter will wear anything I slap on them nails.

 

    
     The little red bottle is a sample size of Stainiac, which helps give those cheeks and lips a sheer rosy tint.  A sample size of microdermabrasion skin exfoliant, I don't think I will be trying that with my sensitive skin; I will pass this on to a friend.

       Full size chapstick hydration lock balm; also includes a coupon for a dollar off the product to purchase in the store.

 

 

 A half up hair tool which is supposed to help create little up do's and half buns. 

 

 

      I believe it is well worth the ten dollars I paid to get the box.  The products I received are worth a bit more than 20 dollars.  It also introduces me to items I would never have picked out on my own, so if I like a product enough I can go purchase a full size one.  BirchBox has a waiting list and you can only get in if you are referred.  It said on the site that the waiting list was about two weeks but I got my invite to start the in a day.  Check them out HERE!

 

 

Loot Crate arrived yay!!!

My first Crate arrived this afternoon.  I been waiting for a month for my first one. Especially with the theme SURVIVE that they kept teasing me with.  It came in a black box, which I thought would be much bigger.  

 

 

As I opened the box I was surprised with all that was inside. Definitely Zombie theme survival!! There was a little magazine to go over everything that was in the box, titles SURVIVE ISSUE 003.  A book called The Zombie Survival Guide, temporary tattoos of a infected zombie bite mark and a bar code stating not infected; a laminated zombie hunter ID, an I Love Your Guts Card ( to send to a loved one); small 8 bit zombie buttons, a creepy candy, a discount card for 5 dollars off a 15 dollar purchase from Graphic Labs, and an Awesome Ewoking Dead shirt!!! This shirt is all kinds of sweet. It is my fave thing in the box.  I love love love it!!! 

 

Here is a better shot of my Ewoking Dead shirt, womens size. 

LootCrate was success for the price, the shirt alone is worth more than what I paid.

Check them out HERE!

Zaycon Pick-Up Experience

    
    I was so excited to pick up my case of chicken from Zaycon foods this week. 100 % natural chicken with no added hormones, additives or artificial ingredients.  It was only 1.84/lb, which is a great deal for the quality. It is only sold in 40 pound cases which was about 70 dollars. Sounds like you are paying a lot for chicken but price per pound is a great deal.  The company only comes with the chicken every three months, so the case will last about that long. 

     There were a few hiccups on their end with the delivery date and time.  It was changed from Monday to Tuesday.  Supposedly the truck broke down during a delivery up north.  Then the farm where they get the chicken was not read for pick up on Tuesday an people did not get the memo till it was too late Tuesday. I arrived at the event pickup at 520, since it was suppose to start at 500 I was thinking I was running late.  People were waiting in their cars and I was not sure if I was at the right place. I waited and saw more people showing up.  A volunteer came up to me and said they were running late and to stay in my car since all I had to do was drive up and get the chicken without getting out of car.

     At 550 the Zaycon truck arrived and the parking lot was filling up fast. People started to make a line of cars towards the truck and a jam started to ensue.  Good thing I was parked facing toward the beginning of the line and someone was nice enough to let me get into the drive queue.  I was like    tenth person in queue. A worker came up to my car when I was approaching the truck, gave them my receipt for my one case, they checked me off their tablet and gave me a number, drove up towards the end of the truck, popped open my trunk, gave them my number, they slapped a plastic sheet in the trunk and plopped a case on top of it and I was tapped away. Yes it was mafia style!!

    When I was on my way back I received a message from my husband that he did get an email stating they changed the time from 5-730 to 600-800 (would have been nice to know that before I left an hour early). Was glad I got their early since the line to get into the event was super long spilling into the main road during rush hour.  Crazy!! Heard cops came out as well due to the traffic jam occurring. 

    I got home with my insanely heavy case of chicken.  The portions were huge. Separated my chicken with freezer paper and freezer tape, dropped them in deep freezer to be used at another time.  Hopefully it tastes as good as it sounds.  

Zaycon is having an event for ground beef and other products coming up again soon.  Reserve yours early since they have started to sell out faster since they had a spot on the Today Show. Check them out HERE.

I won a Little Passports Subscription

      So I entered a giveaway a few weeks ago and got an email that I had won the three month subscription to Little Passports.  I was surprised, I have been on a giveaway winning spree lately.  This one is something my kids can use.  

Here is what the description of this is:

Every month, Sam and Sofia visit two new states and send your child an exciting package in the mail including an activity-packed travel journal, stickers, postcards, pop-out models and access to more information and games/activities online. Including our first month starter Discovery Kit, a total of 26 monthly packages available for all 50 states.

Can't wait to share with everyone when it gets in!

Marvel DC comic Sale on Zulily

Nanananananaaanananananana BATMAN SALE HERE. 

Zulily is having a Marvel & DC comic collection sale.  They even have items for girls!! Batman girlie pajamas are on my list!!  Check out Zulily!

Snacks to Eat to Curb your Cravings

Here is a list of foods to eat to curb your sweet craving:

• cherries with almonds
• orange with pistachios
• grilled peach with cottage cheese and honey and cinnamon
• berries with low fat vanilla yogurt
• warm apple with almonds and sprinkled with cinnamon
• banana with walnuts

Best Star Wars Themed Commercial This Year!!

    I saw this commercial last night; my daughter and I were GEEKING OUT!! Check out the baby, wish I thought of that when my girlie was younger.  Love bonding with my daughter over Star Wars!

Skylanders Giants Xbox Set Sale

Skylanders Giants is 40% off on Amazon for the X-box console. 

It is only 35 dollars, great christmas gift!!

Diabetic Celebrities- 15 You may know of!

    
These celebrities have diabetes!! They are just like us ya'll!!(LOL) Check out the list below to see if any of your fave celebs have diabetes.

Tom Hanks-         Type 2
Paula Deen-         Type 2
Halle Berry-          Type 1
Paul Sorvino-        Type 2
Delta Burke-         Type 2
Dick Clark-            Type 2
Patti LaBelle-         Type 2
Sherri Shepherd-    Type 2
Drew Carey-          Type 2
Victor Garber-        Type 1
Elizabeth Perkins-   Type 1
Damon Dash-        Type 1
Brett Michaels-       Type 1
Dorian Gregory-     Type 1
Mary Tyler Moore-  Type 1

Zaycon Foods. Get your Protein!!

     I am excited about getting my chicken box. Yep a box full of chicken from Zaycon Foods.  They sell Fresh boneless skinless split chicken breasts. It is 100% natural chicken with no added hormones, additives or artificial ingredients.  It is sold by the case only- which weighs 40 lbs.  

      The cost is only $1.69 a pound. So a 40 pound case costs $67.60.  It may seem like you are paying a lot but it is a huge box with tons of chicken in it. For a family of four like mine it should last us about 3 months.  They come to the area every three months. They just opened up slots for orders for their bacon/sausage event, ground beef and ham.  

     They come to the area Monday and I will be getting my chicken.  I will try to remember to take pictures to share my experience!!  Check out Zaycon HERE. (This is my family referral link). They were recently on Good Morning America and most likely the chicken event is sold out.  But there are other meat orders you can place ahead of time. 

Loot Crate Sends a Teasing Email about the Box that is Coming

Loot Crate has been teasing me over and over sending me hints and ideas of what will be in my loot crate.  This picture in the latest email has given much to think about, especially zombies!! Check out here

Julep Maven Box Review

Got my Julep Box in. It arrived in a nice little black box with a welcome letter. I was super excited to open it up.   Came with a nail moisture mask, Julep Mint Condition Cream, and two nail polishes. The price for a box is 19.99  but I got the first box free and only paid shipping which was 3.99  

More detail on the items:

• The pink square packet is the Nail Moisture Mask
• It is a one time use treatment
• The value of this is 6.67
• Mint Condition Pedi Cream
• This a large tube that moisturizes and exfoliates your feet
• Unable to find how much it is worth but I believe it would be anywhere from 15-25 dollars. 
• Two nail polishes
• Starting from the left colors are Marion-It Girl and Courtney-Boho Glam
• The value is 28 dollars.

     Total box value is about 50 dollars and I only paid 3.99 shipping this month. I will be trying it again next month to see if I like what they offer again.  You can try your first box free HERE and use code FREEBOX. 

Halloween Bootacular in Virginia Beach

 

     If you are trying to find an activity where you can take your kids in their costumes try out the Bootacular! The Event is family oriented for kids 12 and under. They will have games, attractions and entertainment for your young ones.  Days they are open will be Friday October 25th, Saturday and Sunday (the 26th and 27th), and on Halloween October 31st.
     Each day they will have story time and songs  early in the day; along with arts and crafts. They are also doing a pumpkin contest; entries for that begin October 24th, with drop off between the times of 3-6pm. Some activities are free, they do have games which require tickets (prices start at .25 cents each); they also have an unlimited pass for $20.  Sign up to win free passes HERE.

Snag a Free Weather Channel Safety Kit

Weather Channel Kit

Click above and get a free safety kit courtesy of The Weather Channel

Free flashlight, planning essentials, etc

NAS Oceana Trunk or Treat

This year NAS OCEANA is doing a trunk or treat.  A safe family friendly event to take your little ones too.  They are looking for participants to decorate their trunks, tables, etc.  Check out the flyer below

Amazon Loom Bands on Sale 600 pack

These Bandz are what the kiddies are using to make tons of bracelets now-a-days.  My daughter just got a starter pack from Toys-R-Us this weekend.  Amazon is having a hot deal now for a 600 pack of bands if you already have a starter this this price is awesome to stock up on some band refills.

Grab these bands Here for 3.75 with free shipping.

Olive Garden Style Inspired Zuppa Toscana Soup

Thanks Ellaine for sharing. Looks great can't wait to try.

Ingredients:

1 pound spicy Italian Sausage
1/2 pound bacon, chopped 
7 cups of water
3 chicken flavored bouillon cubes
2 large russet potatoes (cleaned and cubed)
2 cloves garlic chopped (1tsp or 2 of minced)
1 medium onion chopped
2 cups chopped kale
1 cup heavy whipping cream
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• In a dutch oven or large soup pot over medium high heat brown the sausage, breaking it into small pieces as you cook it.
• Drain the sausage and set aside on a plate to cool.
• In the same dutch oven or soup pot, insert bacon and cook over medium-high heat. 
• Brown the bacon; remove it and set aside. Cut up bacon once cooled
• Leave two tablespoons of rendered bacon fat in the pot.
• Saute the potatoes, onion and garlic in the bacon fat over medium or low medium heat.
• Saute the onion till it gets translucent and the potatoes begin to soften.
• Add sausage, bacon, 7 cups of water and 3 chicken bouillon cubes.
• Add cream and kale.
• Simmer until the potatoes are tender

Mustache Earrings less than a Quarter shipped

Get ready for Christmas! Will be posting some great deals to stock up on stocking stuffers

Mustache Earrings

These are .18 cents shipped.  Price may change fast take advantage now here

Nostalgic Collection Sale!!

Everyone has their favorite cartoon character, TV icon or pop star that brings back memories of the past. Back when cartoons were black and white and love was simple, these are the characters we grew up with. This eclectic collection of nostalgic items featuring Betty Boop, the Jetsons, I Love Lucy, Scooby Doo and so much more will delight fans of all ages.

Check out the sale on Zulily.  Free to sign up on the site.  Shipping is a low fee for all day shopping.  New sales post everyday.  

Ninja turtle Headbands, Star Wars Felties and BatMan Bows?! Oh yes they exist!!

     Batman, Spiderman, Star Wars and Ninja Turtles; for girls!! Yes now-a-days girls are willing to admit they are big fans of the genre that is focused for boys.  It is hard to find these themes in girlie gear. I was super excited when I came across Little Princess Pretties boutique.  They specialize in hair accessories and children's jewelry and offer these super chic items below!! My daughter will be getting some of these in her stocking this year!! Hopefully she will share with me.  

 Little Princess Pretties Facebook

Check out the Site here!

Parmesan Garlic Chicken! Yummy in the Tummy!!

ingredients:

1 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt (1/2 tsp table salt)

2 1/2 pounds chicken wings

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (or melted butter)

2 tablespoons minced fresh basil ( I used freeze dried basil and was still good)

1 teaspoon finely minced garlic

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt (like Lawry's)

directions:

• Preheat oven to 425F. In a small bowl, mix together the oregano, rosemary, cumin and salt. 
• Rinse and dry the chicken then put on a baking sheet 
• Apply the dry seasoning onto the chicken while it is on the pan
• Bake the chicken wings for 20-25 minutes. 
• While the chicken is baking, mix together the oil, fresh basil, garlic, parmesan cheese and seasoning salt in a large bowl.
• When the chicken is cooked through, toss the wings with the garlic/cheese/olive oil (or butter) sauce. 

Above is a pic of the chicken being tossed

Here is a picture of my overall meal. I added 1 1/2 cups of white rice with beans and potatoes.

Loot Crate

     I have been hearing tons of information about subscription box companies.  These kind of companies send out a themed box every month to your home. I looked into some companies to see what these were about.  There are many different types of box companies, makeup, toys, crafts, snacks, meals, and geeks!! Usually you get anything from sample size to full size products and the worth is more than what you pay as your monthly subscription fee.  I signed up for two to try this month and hoping to be surprised.

LootCrate is the first I signed up for. They specialize in the Geeky finds.

Here is how it works:

-First you join for less than 20 dollars a month, pick a plan

-They find products usually surrounding a theme, they partner with brands

-Then it arrives at your doorstep

Below are some examples of their past crates.

     As soon as I receive my first box I will take pictures and share. The them for October was announced; it is called SURVIVE. Email they sent to me says you wouldn't take on a Zombie alone so I shouldn't enjoy the crate alone.  I can't wait. Check them out HERE!

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Breakfast

Oh yum!! Healthy easy diabetic friendly breakfast drink.

Here is what you need: 

4 cups of sliced strawberries
1 banana sliced
1 carton of vanilla light and fit yogurt or you can use 6 oz of almond milk
1 cup of ice
1 kiwi sliced

Combine strawberries, banana and yogurt in a blender until its smooth.  While blender is running add ice one by one.  Pour into glasses. Should be enough for 8 servings for the family if you make them 1/2 cup each.  This equals to 15 carbs per 1/2 cup serving.

Lovable Tom Hanks Has Type 2 Diabetes

     Diabetes can even affect actors. On in interview with David Letterman on the Late Show the lovable actor announced his recent diagnosis with Type 2 diabetes. He was able to make fun at himself, and let others know that it is a controllable disease.

My Insulin Bag

I use insulin pens everyday.  They didn't come with any case to keep them in so I usually had the pens flopping around in my purse along with the pen needles and alcohol swabs.  I wanted something to put it in that had a warning on it just in case someone came across it.  So here is my solution

I used a pencil case and personalized it.  It hold both my insulin pens in it with lots of space left inside. Was also able to put my meter bag, alcohol swabs and pen needles inside.  If I misplace it somewhere it easily stands out.

American Girl Doll Sale. Collections for 60 Dollars!!

American Girl!! 

     If you have a little girl they more than likely have asked for an American Girl doll.  When I first looked into these dolls I was like they are too expensive.  My daughter asked for one when she was 5.   The dolls looked cute on the website and you could customize one to look like your child but I couldn't see myself spending that much. Then her birthday came and her grandparents got her one as a gift.  I was impressed with the doll itself.  It is well made definitely worth the price and my daughter was so happy.  

    It is rare to get these dolls for less then $100. So this sale is one to take advantage of. There are three dolls for 60 dollars and one for 50.  They come with a book and an outfit too.  Click here to see the sale  and enter JILLFALL in code area.  Hurry it ends tomorrow morning. 

Converting Your Diabetic Meter Bag Into Something Cute!

How to turn your boring meter bag into something 

cute using a small cosmetic bag.



Thank you Ellaine for sharing how you converted a cute cosmetic bag into a diabetic meter bag. We know how ugly a regular meter bag looks like, here is a way to make a more eye appealing meter bag.

1. Begin by removing the thread stitch around the plastic that holds the meter.

2. Remove stitch from the test strip holder and the pen.

3. Make sure the cosmetic bag you choose has ample space for all your items. If needed, remove or cut any pockets that aren't needed.

4. With a pencil, take the plastic meter holder and trace it onto the chosen spot in the cosmetic bag.

5. Then on the inside of the traced line, about 1/2in in, draw the same line and cut it out.

6. You now can insert the holder to see if it fits and apply adhesive to hold it (dbl sided tape, super glue, or crazy glue. Hot glue gun didn't work too well).

7. Now pick an area for the strip holder, mark both ends with your pencil and start sewing one end then the other, same goes for the pen holder.

*All done! Just takes a little time, but it helped me keep my mind busy while I was nervous 

about medications and insulin!